2027: ATIKU PROMISES TO RETURN FUEL SUBSIDY IF ELECTED PRESIDENT

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has made the restoration of petrol subsidy a major part of his 2027 campaign pitch, arguing that Nigerians have not seen sufficient benefits from the policy’s removal.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Atiku questioned the whereabouts of funds generated following the decision by President Bola Tinubu to end the petrol subsidy in May 2023.

“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku said in Hausa.

“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.”

His declaration comes just as the Federal Government has provided a 

fresh

 estimate of the financial gains from the subsidy reform. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said on Wednesday that the removal of the subsidy generated N15.8 trillion in resources for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

Oyedele said the figure reflected increased revenue mobilisation, including the effect of the naira value of dollar-denominated transactions following the government’s exchange-rate reforms.

Atiku has disputed the government’s presentation of the gains from the reforms. In a separate statement on Wednesday, his camp challenged the Tinubu administration to account for approximately N30 trillion in federation revenues, deductions, savings and transfers which it said required transparent reconciliation.

The former vice-president argued that the resources released by subsidy removal should have produced more visible improvements in Nigerians’ lives, particularly in security, education, infrastructure and employment.

“The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different. If elected, I can remove the subsidy and use the money to do all these properly.”

The subsidy removal remains one of the most consequential economic decisions of the Tinubu administration. Its immediate aftermath saw petrol prices rise sharply, with knock-on effects on transportation, food prices and the broader cost of living.

At the same time, the policy has increased monthly allocations to the three tiers of government through the Federation Account, with some state governors acknowledging substantial increases in their FAAC receipts.

Atiku’s latest pledge represents a significant shift from his position during the 2023 presidential campaign. In December 2022, while running as the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, he had said he would remove the fuel subsidy within his first 100 days in office.

His new position places the subsidy question firmly back at the centre of the 2027 political contest, with opposition candidates increasingly presenting alternative approaches to the economic reforms introduced under Tinubu.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, has also pledged to restore petrol subsidy if elected, arguing earlier this month that the government was still subsidising petrol and the naira despite declaring an end to the subsidy regime.

With the 2027 election campaign now taking shape, the competing claims over subsidy savings—and whether those resources have translated into tangible benefits for Nigerians—are likely to become a major issue in the contest between the government and opposition.

Share:

Read More

TINUBU MOVES EFCC RECOVERIES, N242BN UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS TO NELFUND

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday directed that all liquid funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, along with unclaimed dividends from the Capital Market Trust Fund and the Dormant Account Trust Fund, be diverted to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to guarantee its long-term financial sustainability.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The meeting is the council’s first sitting since June 29.

Alausa said, “The President has now directed that all funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission be diverted to NELFUND to continue to support its funding.

“This was also approved by FEC: that all unclaimed dividends from the Capital Market Trust Fund and the Dormant Account Trust Fund should also be directed to NELFUND, so that NELFUND will be financially buoyant to meet its growing obligations today.

“Note, and the President was very clear, not seized properties, or recovered looted funds, but liquid funds, from the EFCC will now be transferred to NELFUND.”

Unclaimed dividends in Nigeria currently stand at approximately N242bn, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission, having grown steadily from about N158.4bn in 2019 to N190bn in 2023 due to outdated shareholder records, unresolved estate matters for deceased investors, and missing bank account linkages, among other factors.

The EFCC has separately recovered over N566bn and $411m in monetary assets over the years, though Alausa clarified that Wednesday’s directive applies strictly to cash recoveries and excludes seized properties or other non-liquid assets.

Alausa argued that Tinubu had fulfilled his campaign commitment with the establishment of the fund as he disclosed that the Fund has benefitted over 1.2 million Nigerian students.

He said, “Today, we have over 1.2 million Nigerian students benefiting from NELFUND, and NELFUND has disbursed over N93bn as stipends to students all across public institutions in the country, both federal and state.

“NELFUND has also disbursed over N250bn as institutional fees to all public institutions across the country, both federal and state.

“This has been a phenomenal blessing to Nigeria and to every Nigerian child. We thank the President for that.”

Alausa noted that the President had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to work with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and the Debt Management Office to operationalise the movement of the unclaimed dividend funds.

“That will work, and look at the existing Act that set up these two trust funds on how we can move the money legally to NELFUND, and also work with the chairman of the EFCC to look at the entire basket of recovered funds.

“The President was very clear: not seized properties, or recovered looted properties, but liquid funds recovered by the EFCC will now be transferred to NELFUND,” he said.

He added that any funds still subject to ongoing legal challenges would be excluded from the transfer.

“Every single fund that is still subject to a legal challenge will not be part of the money that will be transferred to NELFUND.

“The funds that will be transferred will be all cleared funds, unencumbered funds, looted funds that legally belong to Nigerians,” Alausa said.

The minister also announced that the council approved the deployment of an Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification Programme across 14 federal universities, describing it as a technology-driven initiative designed to equip students with entrepreneurship, innovation, business incubation and enterprise development skills, alongside digital learning certification, mentorship and incubation support.

“This programme will kick off in 14 federal universities this year, and we hope to expand it to all other tertiary institutions.

“It’s a programme that has been tested at the University of Lagos.

Share:

Read More

DON’T SEARCH CORPS MEMBERS PHONES INDISCRIMINATELY, KWARA CP WARNS OFFICERS

 The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has warned police officers against indiscriminately searching the mobile phones of National Youth Service Corps members under the guise of checking for involvement in internet fraud..

Adekimi gave the warning during a working visit to corps members undergoing the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course in Kwara State, where he also assured them of adequate security throughout their service year.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ilorin, the state capital.

The statement said the Commissioner of Police was received at the NYSC Orientation Camp by the state Coordinator, Musa Kafarda, who commended the police boss for his commitment to the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the state.

Adekimi also reminded the corps members of their responsibilities as young Nigerians, describing them as important agents of positive change who should make meaningful contributions to their host communities during their service year.

He urged them to use social media responsibly and avoid digital thuggery and other activities capable of undermining peace and public order.

“You are leaders of today and possess enormous potential to contribute positively to national development.

“Make your service year meaningful, contribute positively to your host communities, use social media responsibly and stay away from digital thuggery and every other activity capable of undermining peace,” Adekimi advised.

The police commissioner, however, assured the corps members that they were entitled to be treated with dignity and respect in their dealings with police personnel.

“No police officer should indiscriminately search through the mobile phones of corps members on the road under the guise of checking whether they are involved in internet fraud,” Adekimi said.

He encouraged any corps member who encounters inappropriate conduct by police personnel or has a security concern to report through the command’s dedicated channels or approach the nearest police formation for assistance.

The statement quoted him as asking the corps members to see the police as partners throughout their service year and to freely share credible information that could help security agencies protect them and their host communities.

“Do not hesitate to report any security concern or inappropriate conduct through the Command’s dedicated channels or approach the nearest Police formation for prompt assistance,” the CP said.

Adekimi also commended the Camp Commandant and other security personnel for their efforts in maintaining what he described as a safe and conducive environment for the corps members.

He wished the prospective corps members a productive orientation exercise and a rewarding service year, urging them to leave positive footprints in the communities where they would eventually be posted across the state.

Share:

Read More

SYNDICATE HELD 42 VICTIMS HOSTAGE PROMISING FAKE JOBS – NSCDC

 No fewer than 42 young men and women were lured with promises of non-existent jobs in South Africa, Malaysia and Ivory Coast, and held hostage in a secret five-bedroom facility in Calabar.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Cross River State Command, explained that the victims, aged between 22 and 36, were rescued on August 14 and 15, 2026, during a coordinated, intelligence-led raid an “indoctrination and holding camp” run by a transnational fraud syndicate.

The State NSCDC Commandant, Okarazu Chima on Tuesday, said the syndicate operated under the guise of a multi-level networking company and tricked desperate job seekers into paying millions of naira for “international document and visa processing.”

He said, “Once the money is paid, the foreign job narrative is instantly abandoned. The victims are then held, heavily indoctrinated, and forced into an illegal pyramid scheme.

“They are coerced to recruit at least two additional victims to have any hope of recovering their stolen funds.

“The victims were told they would be selling jewellery, but not a single person interviewed had seen any physical product.

“It is all a phantom enterprise built on visual representations on websites and mobile phones”.

The commandant said operatives also arrested the prime cell leader of the syndicate, Timothy Bayi, a native of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, on the night of August 15.

Bayi allegedly linked the group to a major service compliance and logistics company in Lagos, a claim the NSCDC said it is currently verifying.

He added said eight of the 42 persons in custody are foreign nationals found without valid travel documents.

“We have 28 Nigerian males, six Nigerian females, five Cameroonians and three Beninoise.

“We are working closely with the Nigeria Immigration Service to properly profile the undocumented foreign nationals,” Eke added.

He warned that the network is highly compartmentalised to shield top bosses, adding, “We will pull this network up by its roots, no matter how deep or highly placed their corporate sponsors may be.”

The Commandant cautioned parents and job-seeking youths against get-rich-quick schemes and anyone demanding millions for foreign jobs.

Timothy Bayi, the cell leader said a friend Samuel introduced him into the network marketing business three years ago.

One of the victims from Benue State Ogar said a friend offered him a job in the United Kingdom.

“I attended an interview online and was informed that I was successful in June this year. My relatives helped me raise over one million which I gave to the firm only to end up in a room in a secretive five bedroom facility in Calabar”, he said

Share:

Read More

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ACC. KHAIRAT TAIWO!

 Happy Birthday, Ma! 🎂🎉

Happy Birthday to an exceptional woman, Dr. Khairat Taiwo, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service.

Your dedication, discipline, leadership and commitment to the Service continue to inspire those around you. You are not only a distinguished officer, but also a role model and an embodiment of professionalism, courage and purposeful leadership.

As you celebrate another year, may you continue to rise from strength to strength, attain greater heights in your career, and leave an even greater legacy in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

May the Almighty bless you with sound health, wisdom, renewed strength, greater achievements and many more fulfilling years.

Happy Birthday, Ma. Your leadership inspires, your journey motivates, and your excellence sets a standard worth following. 🎂🥂🎉

Share:

Read More

INEC DECLARES ADELEKE WINNER OF OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared the incumbent governor of Osun State and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the state’s governorship election.

Adeleke secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 444,815 votes.

Therefore, Adeleke won his re-election with 66,252-vote margin.

The returning officer Prof Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole announced the result on Sunday after collation was completed across the state’s 30 local government areas.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate, Najeem Salaam, finished third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke thanks President Tinubu

Reacting to his victory, Governor Adeleke thanked President Bola Tinubu, adding that the President called to congratulate him.

Adeleke, who described his re-election as a victory for democracy and Osun people, thanked the president for ensuring democracy “lives on”.

“I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President. He has called me and he has congratulated me. Thank you Mr. President for making sure democracy lives on because you fought for it,” he said.

‘I expect Oyebamiji to call me’

 

Also, Adeleke declared the win as victory for democracy and the people of Osun State, and expressed appreciation to God.

He also stated that he was expecting the APC candidate, Oyebamiji, to call and congratulate him, noting that for him “It’s no victor, no vanquished”.

LGs won by Adeleke

From results announced by INEC, Adeleke won 19 local government areas, while the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, won 11.

The Accord Party candidate won the following 19 local government areas:

Ede North: Adeleke — 35,427; Oyebamiji — 10,283

Osogbo: Adeleke — 36,480; Oyebamiji — 30,474

Ede South: Adeleke — 26,188; Oyebamiji — 6,219

Iwo: Adeleke — 27,085; Oyebamiji — 19,660

Ife East: Adeleke — 27,201; Oyebamiji — 18,600

Ife Central: Adeleke — 21,171; Oyebamiji — 15,913

Ifelodun: Adeleke — 21,107; Oyebamiji — 18,396

Oriade: Adeleke — 21,343; Oyebamiji — 14,863

Egbedore: Adeleke — 19,278; Oyebamiji — 11,194

Odo Otin: Adeleke — 18,003; Oyebamiji — 15,435

Ilesa West: Adeleke — 16,196; Oyebamiji — 12,756

Ila: Adeleke — 16,211; Oyebamiji — 12,934

Discover more

Ayedaade: Adeleke — 16,681; Oyebamiji — 15,719

Ife North: Adeleke — 13,879; Oyebamiji — 9,613

Orolu: Adeleke — 12,352; Oyebamiji — 10,622

Boluwaduro: Adeleke — 7,118; Oyebamiji — 7,050

Ayedire: Adeleke — 11,073; Oyebamiji — 9,910

Ifedayo: Adeleke — 7,427; Oyebamiji — 6,836

Ejigbo: Adeleke — 18,458; Oyebamiji — 16,195

LGAs won by APC

Oyebamiji led in 11 local government areas, including several areas where the APC traditionally enjoys substantial support.

The APC won Ilesa East with 16,208 votes against Adeleke’s 12,280; Boripe with 19,963 against 12,448; Irepodun with 15,713 against 14,504; and Obokun with 16,120 against 12,023.

Oyebamiji also won in Atakumosa West, Irewole, Atakumosa East, Isokan, Olaoluwa, Ife South and Olorunda.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, generally recorded significantly lower figures, although it secured 5,053 votes in Ejigbo, its strongest showing among the figures supplied.

The Mathematics

The most revealing feature of the election was not simply the number of local governments won by each candidate, but the size of the margins recorded in their respective strongholds.

Some of Adeleke’s victories were particularly large, creating a substantial cushion that APC struggled to erase with its own victories.

The clearest example came from the Ede axis.

Ede delivered huge advantage

In Ede-North, Accord scored 35,427 votes, while APC recorded 10,283. That gave Adeleke a margin of 25,144 votes in one local government. The result in Ede-South was equally significant.

Accord polled 26,188 votes, compared with APC’s 6,219, giving the governor another 19,969-vote advantage.

Combined, the two Ede councils gave Accord 61,615 votes, against APC’s 16,502. That amounted to a 45,113-vote net advantage for Adeleke from just two LGAs. It was a margin that would prove difficult for APC to neutralise elsewhere.

Osogbo adds to Adeleke’s advantage

The state capital also contributed significantly to Adeleke’s performance.

In Osogbo Local Government Area, Accord secured 36,480 votes, while APC polled 30,474. Adeleke therefore won the council by 6,006 votes.

The ADC scored 1,503 votes in Osogbo, its strongest performance among the 30 LGAs covered by the supplied results.

Osogbo was important not only because of its political significance, but also because the result demonstrated Adeleke’s ability to remain competitive in an urban centre where APC also had considerable support.

Adeleke dominates the Ife axis

The Ife area was another important component of the governor’s victory.

Accord won Ife-East, polling 27,201 votes against APC’s 18,600, a margin of 8,601 votes. In Ife-Central, Adeleke secured 21,171 votes, while APC recorded 15,913, giving Accord a further 5,258-vote advantage.

Accord also won Ife-North, where it scored 13,879 votes against APC’s 9,613, a margin of 4,266 votes. APC, however, secured Ife-South, polling 14,678 votes against Accord’s 13,507, a margin of 1,171 votes.

Overall, the four Ife councils produced 75,758 votes for Accord and 58,804 for APC, giving Adeleke a combined advantage of 16,954 votes.

Egbedore, Iwo and Oriade strengthen the lead

Adeleke’s victory was not confined to Ede, Osogbo and Ife. In Egbedore, Accord scored 19,278 votes, against APC’s 11,194, producing a margin of 8,084 votes.

In Iwo, Adeleke polled 27,085 votes, while Oyebamiji recorded 19,660, giving Accord a margin of 7,425 votes.

The governor also carried Oriade, where Accord secured 21,343 votes, compared with APC’s 14,863 — a difference of 6,480 votes.

These victories helped Adeleke accumulate the substantial overall lead that emerged from the collation.

APC remained a formidable challenger

Despite losing the election, the results showed that APC remained a major political force in Osun.

Oyebamiji won 11 of the 30 LGAs and recorded some impressive margins.

His strongest performance in the supplied results came from Irewole, where APC polled 29,972 votes, against Accord’s 10,934.

That gave APC a 19,038-vote advantage in the local government. APC also won Boripe, with 19,963 votes against Accord’s 12,448, a margin of 7,515 votes.

It further secured victories in Olorunda, Ilesa-East, Ife-South, Ola-Oluwa, Isokan, Obokun, Atakumosa-West and Atakumosa-East.

But the challenge for APC was the distribution and size of those victories. The party won several LGAs, but its combined margins were not enough to offset the much larger margins accumulated by Adeleke in his strongest areas.

Adeleke won big where it mattered

The 2026 election therefore provides an interesting lesson in electoral mathematics. A candidate does not necessarily need to win every local government to secure a statewide victory.

What matters is the aggregate vote total.

Adeleke’s 19 victories produced 511,067 votes, while APC’s 11 winning LGAs contributed to an overall total of 444,815 votes.

The difference was 66,252 votes. The Ede results alone accounted for a substantial portion of that overall margin.

This explains why APC’s victories in several councils, including Irewole and Boripe, were insufficient to overturn Adeleke’s advantage.

Share:

Read More